Forget those gift cards burning a hole in your pocket and catch some good shows around to close out '09. Big-time blues abounds on SATURDAY (the 26th) with SUGAR RAY & THE BLUETONES at the Knickerbocker (401.596.4225) in Westerly, while ROOMFUL OF BLUES blow out two sets at Chan's in Woonsocket (both shows for a $30 combo rate, 401.765.1900). Free show of the month is at Houlihan's Tavern in East Provy, a 75orLess Records showcase starring SIX STAR GENERAL, COMA COMA, and THE JESSE MINUTE; see you there, call 401.435.4044. Props to Mike Delehanty and the Jerky's booking department, who landed solid rap acts throughout '09 (with GZA, People Under the Stairs, and the return of Ill Bill already lined up for early '10); this weekend it's a back-to-back flashback with MR. CHEEKS of Lost Boyz fame on Saturday, and KEITH MURRAY taking the stage on SUNDAY (the 27th), with acclaimed DJ CR THE BEAST spinning both nights ($15 each, 401.621.2244). On TUESDAY (the 29th), DIE ANOTHER DAY drops a new EP with fellow death metal locals ACARIUS, NEOMURA, and ASTRELA at Club Hell. The headbanging commences at 7 pm, all-ages and $7 at the door. New Year's Eve (the 31st) boasts plenty of high-energy gigs statewide, so call a cab and keep John Law off your tail while heading out to any of these great shows: YOUNG NEAL & THE VIPERS head to Chan's (cover includes buffet dinner and champagne toast), or spend the evening with DUKE ROBILLARD at the Knickerbocker; the $50 ticket comes with a four-course meal beginning at 6 pm. Low-dough PVD highlights include the MIDNIGHT CREEPS opening for SASQUATCH & THE SICK-A-BILLYS at Jerky's ($10), and AS220 cuts loose after Bright Night with a wild one featuring ROZ RASKIN & THE RICE CAKES with the insanely-entertaining PRAYERS FOR ATHEISTS. Only $5 at the door or free with a Bright Night badge. In the Bucket, FUNGUS AMUNGUS and the KRIS HANSEN KOLLECTIVE congregate at the Blackstone (401.726.2181), and the 133 Club in East Providence will host RORY & THE HOUNDS (401.438.1130).

FROM CACTUS ATTACK TO SNOW PLOWS | March 06, 2013 Last call for three good gigs going down on THURSDAY (the 7th): the DENNIS McCARTHY BAND visits Nick-a-Nee's (21+ and no cover, 401.861.7290).

COURAGEOUS MEN AND MIGHTY GOOD BOYS | February 20, 2013 On THURSDAY (the 21st) it's last call for local singer/songwriters IAN FITZGERALD and lovely songbird ALLYSEN CALLERY at Aldrich House (110 Benevolent St., PVD), while HOPE ANCHOR (75orLess Records) plays the Parlour on North Main St (formerly the Penalty Box, 401.383.5858).

MARDI GRAS IN O’VILLE! | February 06, 2013 Sorry to report the Detroit Rebellion show at Chilango's slated for THURSDAY (the 7th) has been rescheduled for March 14, but fear not, for the Roots Café (401.272.7422) hosts THE CAN'T NOTS with VERTICAL TWIN and PVD newcomers LOCAL LIGHTS tonight, while FALL & BOUNCE, SEXCOFFEE, and NYMPHIDELS visit Firehouse 13 ($5, 401.270.1801).